EMERGENCY SERVICES are urging residents, and in particular elderly residents, to take precautions around their homes during the next three days as wild winds and abnormally high tides are forecast for the Tweed Shire, despite the Cyclone Watch being cancelled.
NSW SES Community Capability Officer Janet Pettit said residents in the Northern Rivers need to “be alert, not alarmed”.
At 9am today (Friday, February 22) a resident contacted The Weekly with the above photo and said parts of Banora Blvd were blocked by several downed treed from Pioneer Parade, due to high wind gusts.
SES and the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning this morning with concerns around abnormally high tides, damaging and hazardous surf and strong winds from Tweed Heads to Yamba as a result of Cyclone Oma – which has been downgraded to a category 1 and is moving north but remains unpredictable.
“Abnormally high tides may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas from Tweed Heads to Yamba today (Friday, February 22) and into the weekend while heavy seas are also predicted with waves around 5m along our north east coastline causing coastal erosion,” the media statement reads.
“The Bureau of Meteorology is currently monitoring the south-westerly direction of Oma, with the Tropical Cyclone Watch now cancelled.”
NSW SES Operations Commander, Mark Somers said despite TC Oma being downgraded to category 1, the Northern Rivers will still see severe weather over the next three days.
“Oma is expected to bring gale force winds and sea water flooding in low lying areas,” he said.
“These conditions may cause power outages so I would urge residents who need to access medication or are planning to restock their cupboards to do so today.
“It is important households are well prepared with food and water so they can cope with conditions as they continue to develop.”
NSW SES Community Capability Officer, Janet Pettit said the SES is urging residents to prepare their properties by tying down loose items, moving vehicles undercover and keeping a close eye on neighbours, especially if they are elderly.
“It is also important everyone updates their Home Emergency Kits, just in case power goes out or they become isolated. Make sure torches, radio and batteries are on hand,” she said.
Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
For further information related to Bureau of Meteorology Warnings, please go to www.bom.gov.au.
For more FloodSafe and StormSafe information and a copy of a Home or Business Emergency Plan go to www.sesemergencyplan.com.au
FOLLOW THE CHECK LIST BELOW
The State Emergency Service is urging residents to be alert, not alarmed and if you live in a coastal area:
Checking your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
Ensure gutters, downpipes and drains are clear.
Remove tree branches that are close to your house.
Don’t walk, ride your bicycle or drive through flood water, and keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
Staying out of the water and well away from surf-exposed areas.
Please check on neighbours and the elderly who may need assistance.
Residents looking to access sandbags need to register prior to pick up vai phone: 132 500.
Sandbags can be picked up at (please phone first): Tweed Heads SES Unit 157 Pioneer Parade, Banora Point, between 9am and 12noon on Friday, February 22.
